When vendors cancel product previews

Michael Gartenberg | January 21, 2005, 12:03 PM

Had an interesting call from a vendor (who I  won't name) who wanted me to look an upcoming product. At the last minute, literally, they sent us an e-mail saying they decided not to pre-brief analysts. That's OK and it is their right not to brief...  but past history tells me when vendors do this, it's usually for the same reasons reviewers aren't invited in to see an advance screening of a particular film or TV show.

Note to vendors... There's a lot of reasons for us to look at things in advance and smart vendors make sure we're looped into what they're doing well in advance of public announcements. It gives us time for reflective analysis before we go public with our thoughts and also gives vendors time to hear what we're going to say before we tell the world. We've also influenced more than a few product changes and marketing messages along the way. Analysts are not press, we're not here for an "exclusive scoop" and our livelihood is based on our ethics and the ability to keep confidential things confidential. It's more important that our analysis be correct. If you haven't been briefing us and want to do so, just follow the link off of our home page, shoot me an email or give me a call. And no, you don't need to be a client to get time with us.

Cancellations like this have happened to me a few times over the years. Every single time, the product was a total bomb. I expect this one to be no different.